The Whispering Chair Set For Dublin Debut at Mill Theatre Next Month

An old chair in a Cavan museum has become an unlikely source of inspiration for a powerful new show that shines a light on the wartime women who have been airbrushed from Irish history.

The role of women in war and the repercussions of intergenerational trauma are central themes in a gripping new play set to take to the stage at dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum from March 5th to 15th in association with Livin’ Dred Theatre Company. Titled The Whispering Chair and written by Cavan based author Tara Maria Lovett, the play explores a modern marriage that is tested and strained by the enduring impact of the War of Independence.

Directed by Bryan Burroughs and featuring performances from Caitríona Williams and Naoise Dunbar, The Whispering Chair tells the story of a modern marriage twisted and torn by the dark family history of the War of Independence. What terrible deeds were done? By whom? What is left unspoken? The play looks at the lengths women will go to in times of war to survive and do what is necessary to keep themselves and their families safe.

Speaking ahead of the premiere, the play’s author Tara Maria Lovett explains how an old chair in a Cavan museum became the inspiration for this powerful new show.

“The Cavan County Museum features a room dedicated to the historical roles of women,” says Lovett. “I came across an ornate parlour chair, designed for ladies of the era to practice needlepoint, and I started to imagine the women who might have used it. The story is about the effects on the women who are forced to take on male roles during wartime. Those who were often airbrushed from the history books and how the trauma can affect future generations.”

Lovett participated in the Mill Theatre’s prestigious Maven programme, which supports Irish female playwrights in the creation of new work. Speaking ahead of the show, dlr Mill Theatre director Kate Canning encouraged audiences to come and be inspired.

Speaking about this ground-breaking piece of work, Canning says, “Our Maven programme, now in its fourth year, was established specifically to address the lack of support for female playwrights. Ireland has remarkable talent, but there are numerous challenges in bringing a script to the stage.”

The Whispering Chair is co-produced by the Mill Theatre and Cavan-based Livin’ Dred Theatre. Speaking about the show, Livin Dred’s artistic director Aaron Monaghan said, “We are so excited to present The Whispering Chair by Tara Maria Lovett at the Mill Theatre, Dundrum as part of our programme for our 21 Years Celebration. It is a great chance for Dublin audiences to experience this intense and impactful new piece of theatre.”

The Whispering Chair, produced by Livin’ Dred, directed by Bryan Burroughs and written by Tara Maria Lovett, runs at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum from March 5th to 15th. Tickets priced from €22 are available here.